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Expansive plazas, local and foreign crowds, streetperformers, colorful lights, window shopping,restaurant signs promising the best paella, ham, andchurros con chocolate- this is downtown Madrid, acollection of plazas interconnected by a network ofside streets. Some of these side streets are widepedestrian shopping routes, and some are hidden, soit's possible to duck in and out of the bustle as

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desired. The iconic Puerta del Sol is the giantcrossroads of the city and a must-see attraction atany time of the day. The nearby Plaza Mayor,completely enclosed by historic red buildings, is anideal place to grab a bite to eat outside, amidstscores of tables and people out for a stroll. PlazaIsabel II (also known as “Opera”) is smaller and agood meeting spot, and the stately Plaza del Orienteis the front yard of the Royal Palace. Centro can betouristy (pickpockets are unfortuately not unheard-ofhere), crowded, and sometimes gimmicky, but it is alsothe place to experience classic Madrid.